Europe’s 'City of Peace' Turns Hostile: Shocking Attacks Reveal Growing Hatred

Antwerp, once considered a symbol of coexistence in Europe, is now witnessing a disturbing surge in anti-Semitic violence, leaving the local Jewish community feeling increasingly unsafe. Two shocking incidents occurred last week in the city, highlighting the growing hostility towards Jews in a country recently ranked the least safe for Jews in Europe, according to a comprehensive survey.

The first incident involved a teenage Jewish girl who was walking with her father when a man sitting at a restaurant suddenly threw a glass of wine directly into her face. The assailant then grabbed a second glass from another patron and poured that on her as well, shouting, “Free Palestine” and calling the girl a “child killer” and a perpetrator of “genocide.” Bystanders and restaurant staff attempted to intervene, but the man continued his verbal tirade filled with anti-Semitic slurs. Even after being informed that he was being recorded, the attacker showed no signs of remorse.

Another alarming attack took place the next day, when a young Jewish boy wearing a kippah was assaulted in the street. A man with Middle Eastern features approached him, shouted “Free Palestine,” and struck him in the face. These acts have sent shockwaves through the Jewish community and exposed a deepening crisis in Belgian society regarding antisemitism.

Ralph Pice, Chairman of the Jewish Information and Documentation Center (JID) in Belgium, expressed grave concern: “Jews are no longer safe in Belgium. If we don’t stand up for ourselves, no one will. That’s the harsh truth.” He also criticized the public and official response, accusing authorities and the media of downplaying the attacks and shielding perpetrators instead of firmly condemning the violence.

The recent IPSOS survey, commissioned by the European Jewish Association (EJA), confirmed Belgium as the least secure country for Jews among six European nations surveyed, including Germany, France, the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands. Respondents in Belgium expressed high levels of alienation toward Jews and minimal support for government intervention to protect Jewish communities.

As anti-Semitic sentiment becomes increasingly normalized in public discourse and on the streets, Jewish leaders are calling on the Belgian government to take decisive action. “The attacker must face serious consequences,” Pice urged, “or others will see it as open season on Jews.” The community now fears that, without accountability and education, these violent outbursts will only grow in frequency and severity.